By Diane Maier

Living your best life begins by designing an environment in your home that is conducive to creating happiness, success, and joy. Harmony, energy, and intention each play a role in creating a home that is a true reflection of the life that you want to create. When you “live by design,” you set the stage to bring abundance into every part of your life. Living your best life always begins at home.

The space you surround yourself with has a huge impact on your life. If you are feeling unmotivated or restless, it could be from negative energy that is lingering in your home. You may be holding onto items that you simply don’t care about any longer. Your surroundings should nurture and feed your senses, always.

Clearing the clutter will help you create harmonious spaces that work for the way that you and your family want to live. Start by carving out a space that will be uniquely your own—a place to retreat to when you are feeling stressed or tired. Your retreat could be a luxurious tub dressed with candles and thirsty towels. It could be a cushioned seat by the fireplace on a chilly day or a poolside table to enjoy your coffee while listening to morning bird songs. When you design a space that reflects your needs and intentions, you create an environment that will nurture your creativity and energy. All things become possible.

Here are five ways to design your life, one room at a time:

- Visualize a setting that you enjoy visiting, one that has a special ambience and is a place in which you feel completely comfortable and at home. Is it a lake house? A festive holiday setting? A room in a friend’s home where everyone loves to linger? The elements that are clearest in your mind will help you create your own design.

- Too often, we wait for company to visit to make the spaces in our home special. Don’t wait for visitors to put the good towels out in the guest bath or the flowers in the spare room. It’s your home. Enjoy it every day.

- Tackle your home one room at a time. Your master bath should be a sanctuary, the guest room a retreat, and the spare bathroom always ready for company. It’s your life. Take time to develop it.

- Pay special attention to your bedroom. The view from the bed is much more important than the view from the doorway. Does the sun come in and wake you each morning? Does your mattress need to be upgraded? Your bedroom should be comfortable and conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. It is where each day begins.

- Everyone who lives in your home should have a space in which he or she feels comfortable. A tall man and a short woman are not going to be comfortable on the same piece of furniture. Look at your life and what it needs, rather than decorating to mimic what others are doing.

Good design doesn’t just happen by accident. Your home should be a reflection of who you are and the way that you want to live. Make yourself the center of your universe, and your house will feel like a home.

By Ma Picard

Water fountains in private homes have become increasingly popular in recent years. Modern technology has introduced fountains in every price range, making them affordable for any interested homeowner.

With an endless array of styles of indoor and outdoor decorative water fountains, there is a style to match every home décor. Both indoor and outdoor fountains are produced as stand-alones, tabletop models, or wall-mounted decorations. Compact fountains provide beautiful accents without taking up much space. Conversely, larger, more elaborate fountains may incorporate statues, decorative rocks, or plant life into the design and serve more as a focal point rather than an integrated decoration.

Fountains are made from many different materials. Homeowners can choose from metal, wood, stone, glass, and acrylic, or any combination of these materials. Caution should be taken when deciding on the size, style, and material composition of a fountain. Fountains should enhance a home, not overwhelm it. Designs are extremely varied: extravagant stone fountains and wall-length waterfalls complement a large home, while they would look foolish in a humble neighborhood yard or a modestly decorated living room. A fountain of pottery pieces may be at home in or near a stucco house, and a typical frame dwelling could be enhanced by the addition of a modest fountain incorporating plants and flowers.

Indoor fountains are intended to blend with the room, not overwhelm its inhabitants. A large indoor conservatory would be enhanced by a multitiered stand-alone fountain, whereas a small study would best be served by a compact tabletop fountain.

There are many aesthetic benefits to installing a water fountain at your house. Outdoor water fountains enhance a home by projecting an image of extravagance or creating a themed atmosphere. These may be designed, for example, to imitate a tropical facade or to replicate a favorite vacation location. And for the environmentally conscious, some outdoor fountains are solar-powered. Studies have shown that indoor fountains cleanse the air naturally, providing a healthier living environment. For the waste-conscious—and that should be all of us—most fountains have pumps that continuously circulate the water. In our dry climate, the supply may need to be replenished every so often.

While some homeowners choose to install water fountains as status symbols, most choose fountains for the relaxing atmosphere they provide—many find the sound of flowing water soothing and moving water gently hypnotic. Living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms are the most common settings for fountains, as these are the rooms that are used the most and therefore provide optimal opportunity for enjoying the fountain. Placing a fountain in the bedroom may calm and relax a person so that he or she can drift peacefully off to sleep. Fountains also produce “white noise,” which helps to mask distracting sounds and encourage a sounder rest.

The fountain you decide on depends on the size and style of your home, as well as the size of your bank account. Small, simple tabletop fountains can be found for as little as $19.99, while extravagant outdoor fountains incorporating granite sculptures might set back a homeowner more than $5,000.
Installing a water fountain is a great way to enhance a home. With numerous sizes, styles, and materials to choose from, the perfect fountain can be found for any location, regardless of budget.

New Flooring Is the Bottom Line for Home Value

By Tara Knudson

Few things affect the aesthetics and market value of your home like the quality and choice of flooring. Making smart choices is so important, whether you have kids, pets, or neither; whether you plan to live in your home or flip it; or whether you’ve got a little condo or a sprawling rancher.

Stone, tile, and hardwood are three popular choices for savvy homeowners, and for good reason. If you’re picking flooring for a new building, you want durability and lasting value, and you want a beautiful backdrop for your furnishings and your life. Stone and tile are excellent choices for areas that get dirty feet traipsing over them all the time, or that may be subject to spills and leaks—bathrooms, entryways, basements, and kitchens. Wood is a great choice for almost any room in the house, and especially adds richness to living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.

All three are beneficially hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and available in a broad range of stylish options. They’re also durable, sometimes lasting four or five times as long as their counterparts in carpet, vinyl, and laminate. In addition to being healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting, natural stone, wood, or tile floors come in numerous planet-friendly offerings. You can choose sustainable-harvested hardwood and stone, handmade natural tiles, and tiles made from 100 percent recycled materials. You might pay a little more up front for the quality, but the pleasure of living on such stylish, valuable surfaces and the higher price your house will most likely get at resale time will numb your checkbook pain.

If you already have hardwood, stone, or tile floors but they’ve become cracked, broken, and worn, replacing them is strongly advised. Loose, broken tiles can cause trips and falls, and only tile and stone in good condition can keep moisture from getting at the subfloor. Moisture can potentially cause rotting, molding, and structural damage (and bigger repair bills down the road). If hardwood hasn’t been well cared for and must be replaced, you’ll have an opportunity to find extremely durable and planet-friendly planks to install. Replacing old floors also gives you the chance to add underfloor heating, another big selling plus and a pure delight underfoot. If you decide to put your home on the market, you’ll have difficulty getting your home’s worth if potential buyers realize they must spend thousands of dollars to update or redo the floors. As a seller, you would be more justified in asking for a higher price than you would have been if you hadn’t upgraded the flooring, and many real estate agents would agree that you could possibly get upwards of twice the cost of the flooring in your return.

If your flooring is in good condition but shows some wear or minor damage, you might be able to refinish the surface or repair just a small section, and thus gain all the benefits of a new look. Hardwood can be sanded, stained, and finished as long as it isn’t deeply decayed. Tile may be repaired if you can find appropriately matching replacement tiles, and removing and replacing the grout can make tile-work look completely fresh. Stone is very durable, and rarely needs to be repaired, but if necessary, even a small section of stone can be replaced by a skilled craftsperson.

Whether you’re building a new home, or repairing or replacing flooring you already own, tile, hardwood, or stone finishes will elevate the beauty, livability, and market value of your home and will always be safe, smart choices.

By Jodi Leedy

Are you planning to purchase new kitchen cabinets? Whether for a newly constructed home or for a remodeling project, consider one important factor: your kitchen is the heart of your home! It is not just a place to dine; it is also the main gathering place for family and friends and a place for entertaining. This is particularly true with today’s popular open floor plans and “great room” designs. Because your kitchen plays such an important role in your home, there are a few things to consider in your planning process.

Keep Future Buyers in Mind

Even if you are currently building your dream home, it is possible that someday you will have a need to sell your home. A practical kitchen layout is typically everyone’s goal, but cabinet styles and finishes are more of a personal choice. Are you attracted to traditional or modern styles? Do you like kitchen cabinets with distinct wood grain or nearly no grain? Regardless of which you prefer, always keep future buyers in mind, as they can play an important part in your bottom line.

The Work Triangle

All homeowners seek a functional workspace in the kitchen. When planning your kitchen layout, it is important to consider the distances between your sink, stove, and refrigerator in relationship to one another. Connecting these three workstations from their center points should create an invisible “work triangle.”

Kitchen Cabinet Storage is Key

When designing your dream kitchen, it is important to consider your storage space, along with ample countertop space. Kitchen cabinet layout services are available to help you maximize your space and create the best flow of cabinetry. The first place to look for extra storage space is in your corners. In small, tight kitchens, a blind corner cabinet can make the most use out of the corner. Try adding rollout trays in your base kitchen cabinets to help access your pots and pans, or in your pantries in order to reach cans and dry goods more easily.

Bells and Whistles

Just like purchasing a new vehicle, there are upgrade options to consider when ordering your new kitchen cabinets. Consider glass door cabinets for displaying your keepsakes or china dinnerware, an appliance hutch for hiding small appliances on your countertop, rollout trays for base cabinets, integrated wastebaskets, corner shelves, and wine racks. When selecting your bells and whistles, keep in mind your budget and overall functionality and flow of your kitchen for optimal results.

Remember, your kitchen is the heart of your home! Success in constructing a timeless, comfortable space is a result of creating a balance between an efficient layout and a design with your personal tastes, and keeping with the end goal of adding value to your home.

By Nicole Powell

Designing and decorating your home is like building the perfect nest. Choosing colors, fabrics, and decor is only the beginning. Your home is a reflection of who you are, and is also a combination of life experiences, travels, and personality. Whether you are building your first dwelling, revamping your current home, or looking to expand, let these few “nesting” tips inspire you to gear up for spring!

Where do I begin? I always try to tell clients to consider the things they love in their daily lives and to go from there. Think about where you or your family spends the most time, be it the kitchen, family room, or outdoors. Focus on this area first. It’s important to build your nest starting with the things you love—I guarantee these will find their way into your decor.

No two nests are alike. I say this in every issue of North Valley Magazine, but color is the easiest and most cost-effective way to update your space in a matter of hours. My personal favorite: blue. Any shade of blue can work in any decor scheme, from Tuscan to transitional. It is the perfect backdrop for practically any color scheme, and can also be used as an accent color in any space.

Living large in a small space. The trick to any small space is to use that space wisely. Using a few large pieces instead of several smaller pieces will give the illusion of a bigger space! Good news: It doesn’t cost money to resolve scale issues. Work with items you already have and move them around. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how, in a few short hours, you can have a fresh new look!

Clearing the nest: less is more. I try to stick to this rule: If I haven’t used it, worn it, or seen it in a year, I give it away. By doing this, I create a place to make and display new memories. For quite some time, I have been rotating my son’s artworks in and out of 11 x 14 frames in our hallway. It allows the whole family and our visitors to share in his masterpieces and prevents them from piling up in the drawer, never to be seen and appreciated. Every item should have a place. If it doesn’t, it’s sure to get lost or become unnecessary clutter.

By Nicole Powell

The holidays are about family, friends, traditions, and making lasting memories. This time of year should be stress free and enjoyable, so we’ve put together a list of quick and easy holiday decorating tips for any style or budget.

The Power of Theme

You might be fond of Santa figures, snowmen, or angels. You may even want to adorn your home using a color theme, such as red and gold or black and white. Either way, you’ll likely gravitate toward decorations in your chosen theme. Tip: Collections create more interest when arranged together to provide a focal point that may be lost if separated.

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Add consistency throughout your holiday décor by repeating colors, themes, and decorating elements within the home. If your choice is red and gold, for example, use red and gold on your front-door wreath, on your stairway garland, on your Christmas tree, and in your tabletop centerpiece. Tip: Purchase easily interchangeable items such as pillows, florals, table linens, and candles in your chosen color to use year-round.

Vary the Proportion

Vary the size of the elements you use in the décor. For example, decorate your tree with a mix of small, medium, and larger ornaments. Or, pair candlesticks in varying heights and widths for more interest. You can even mix light sizes on the tree; as long as they coordinate with your color scheme, the possibilities are endless. Tip: Use books, boxes, or pedestals to make items appear taller or to give them added height.

Don’t Forget Texture

Remember to mix textures in your holiday displays. Use matte as well as shiny glass ornaments in your tree or wreath. Add in sparkling crystal, glittering garlands, fragrant holiday candles, snow-covered pinecones, or any other elements that will contribute to your theme and color scheme. Tip: Bowls filled with fruit and other decorative items can be easily changed according to the holiday or season.

By Kailie McNabb

1.    Diminish the clutter Cleaning the clutter around the house means taking down all old picture frames, personal items, and collectibles, and cleaning and organizing common living areas. This will help the potential homebuyers see the space, and visualize it as if it were theirs. Any disorganization in the home can make or break a sale.

2.    Staging To stage a home means to prepare a house that might be empty. It means accessorizing and furnishing as if somebody were living in it, as with model homes. The key to staging is preparing certain focus areas like the kitchen, family room or great room, master bedroom, and bathroom. In doing this, you will create a sense of warmth and comfort as well as an opportunity for the potential homebuyers to see how to efficiently utilize the space. This is why hiring a professional designer can be a great asset in selling your home.

3.    Neutralize the home If your home has many different concepts or themes throughout the rooms, this can distract potential buyers. Painting the entire home a neutral color allows for more creativity and incorporation of the buyer’s tastes. It also creates a visual openness in the home, which can be great if the dwelling is small or has low ceilings.

4.    Lighting This is probably the most important detail in getting a home ready to sell. Lighting is the key to overall ambience. Setting a mood for an open house or showing can be a key element in the design of the home. Taking out fluorescent lamps and fixtures and replacing them with recessed lighting can update a home while being cost-effective. You can also light candles to establish that warm and inviting feel (be sure that someone’s at home while the candles are lit). This will help to create a good first impression.

5.    Curb Appeal This is the most missed stage in preparing a home to sell. If you have weeds, dead plants, and unswept walkways, people will be deterred from stopping and looking. Take the time to plant new flowers in your flowerbeds, repot trees and bushes, and make sure all weeds are pulled and all grass is short. Add a delightful welcome sign, too. Remember also that painting the house makes it look new and fresh.

These are all easy ways to lure buyers into your home. Create that cozy atmosphere before they take their first step inside.